Device for capping oil and gas wells.



F. S. GAIL.

DEvIcE FOR GAPPING OIL AND GAS WELLS.

Patented Aug. 4, 19M

OFFICE.

FRED S. GAIL, 0F CODY, WYOMING.

DEVICE FOR CAPPING OIL AND GAS WELLS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed September 23', 1913. Serial No. 791,407.

To all whom it 121 (13 concern:

Be it known that I, FRED S. GAIL, a citizen of the United States, residing at Cody,

in the county of Park and State of \Vyo ming. have invented new and useful Im prove-ments in Devices for Capping Oil and Gas \Vells, of which the following is a speci fication. V

Theinvention relates to a terminal member for the casings of oil and gas wells to provide a means whereby the flow of the gas or oil may be readily shut off temporarily to provide for the connection of a conveying pipe, thereby preventing the usual loss incident to this operation.

The inain object of the present invention is the provision of a terminal cap which may be'initially applied to the outletend of the casing and which is constructed to permit passage of the tools therethrough for the drilling operation, the cap being provided with means whereby the initial flow of oil or gas may be quickly and readily cut off pending the connection of conveying pipes.

The invention in its preferred form of details will be described in the following specificat-ion, reference being had particularly to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred' form of easing cap. Fig. 2 is a vertical central section of the same. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a slightly modified form of cap. Fig. 4 is a vertical central section of the same.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the improved cap comprises a cylindrical body 1 of hollow construction, interiorly threaded at one end as at 2 for connection with the end of the casing 3, the opposite end of the body being exteriorly threaded at 4 to receive a sealing cap 5. Intermediate the ends of the body the same is thickened as at 6 to provide the transversely disposed circular valve seat7 opening through both side walls of the body and threaded as at 8. A valve plug 9 of solid construction is arranged for threaded cooperation with the seat, said plug being provided with an angular extension 10, to receive an appropriate type of socket wrench. The opening in the body remote from the operative end of the valve plug is normally closed by a cap 7, said cap permitting the valve plug to force dirt or other refuse from the opening on the removal of the cap and the operation of the plug wholly through the opening,

as will be evident. The sealing cap 5 is formed with a plurality of outlets 11 to receive nipples 12 which are temporarily closed by plugs 13, so that when the plugs are in place, the cap 5 forms a complete seal for the upper end of the body.

In Figs. 3 and 4, I have shown a slightly modified form of the structure shown in Figs. 1 and 2 differing from the latter however, only in the valve element, outside of which it will be understood that the parts described and numbered in connection with Figs. 1 and 2 are the same as the parts identically numbered in Figs. 3 and 4. In this form of the device the valve opening or seat 14 is in the form of a recess having opposing parallel walls 15 and being circular in section transverse the body 1. The valve 16 is in the form of a circular plate of a size and shape to snugly fit-the valve opening or seat. Beyond the body the valve 16 is provided with a rod 17, preferably through a swivel connection 18, which rod has threaded connection with the cross strips 19 forming a bracket support for the rod be yond the body, the outer terminal of the rod having an operating handle 20.

In use, either form of the device is applied to the upper end of the casing and the valve 9 or 16 as the case may be withdrawn to permit the introduction and operation of the drilling tools. U pon. the flow of the gas or oil through the casing, the valve'9 or 16 as the case may be, isiclosed, checking such flow, the sealing cap 5 applied, the plugs 13 removed from the nipple and the conveying pipes connected therewith. The valve 9 or 16 is then opened and the flow of gas or oil through the pipes permitted.

The invention provides a simple means which may remain at all times in place on the outlet end of the casing, which will not interfere with the usual drilling operation, and which will permit the ready and convenient checking of the initial flow of gas or oil until the usual conveying pipes can be connected.

What is claimed is A terminal can for well casings including a hollow body arranged for threaded connection with the casing, said body being formed to provide a valve receiving opening disposed transversely the bore of the body, a manually operable valve adapted to close said opening, the end of the body remote from the casing being exteriorly Patented Aug. 4, 1914.

threaded, a sealing cap designed to be applied thereto, and pipe receiving nipples carried by said sealing cap.

2. A terminal cap for well casings including a hollow body arranged for threaded.

connection with the casing, said body being formed to provide a valve receiving opening disposed transversely the bore of the body, a manually operable valve adapted to close said opening, the endof the body remote from the casing being exteriorly threaded, a sealing cap designed to be applied thereto, pipe receiving nipples carried by said sealing cap, and plugs adapted to close said nipples.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

FRED s. GAIL.

Witnesses FRED C. BARNETI, J. E. HORNER. 

